Asun (Goat in Pepper Sauce)
Here is a straightforward way to make Asun (Goat in Pepper Sauce) at home, with a clear ingredient list and step-by-step instructions you can follow without guesswork. It sits firmly in the Nigerian tradition, so expect the flavours you would get from a good home kitchen there. Read through the tips before you start — a couple of small details go a long way with this one.
- Cook 1h 30m
- Total 1h 30m
- Level Easy
Ingredients
- Goat Meat, washed and cut into smaller pieces
- Salt
- Stock cube
- 2 medium Sized onions
- Habanero Pepper
- Bell pepper, chopped
- 1 Chopped Onion, chopped
Method
- Place goat meat in a clean bowl. Add salt and stock cubes, and give a good massage. Marinate for at least 2 hours to properly season the meat.
- Place the marinated goat meat on an electric barbecue grill or oven grill. Rub some vegetable oil on the meat.
- Cover the grill, and grill for about 20 minutes. If you are using an oven grill, grill it for about 40 minutes at 180˚C.
- In a food processor, blend the habanero pepper, and onions to a chunky paste.
- Place a pan on medium heat. Add the grilled meat along with about ¾ cup water to introduce moisture. Let cook for about 5–10 minutes.
- Stir in the pepper and onion mixture, and let cook for about 5–7 minutes.
- Add the chopped bell pepper and onion. Combine thoroughly, and add salt to taste.
- Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil, and combine very well. Leave to simmer for about 2 minutes.
Tips for the best Asun (Goat in Pepper Sauce)
- Do not crowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed so everything browns instead of steaming.
- Taste as you go. Seasoning at the end is fine, but adjusting halfway through gives a more balanced result.
- Rest the finished dish for a few minutes before serving — it lets the flavours settle and the texture firm up.
- Keep the simmer gentle. A hard boil toughens goat meat and drives off the liquid too fast.
Variations
- Vegetable boost: stir in a handful of spinach, peas or diced peppers in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Fusion twist: keep the method but swap the spices for your own favourites — the Nigerian base takes well to it.
- Spicier version: add a pinch of chilli flakes or a sliced fresh chilli with the aromatics.
Serving ideas
Serve hot with rice, potatoes or crusty bread, and something green on the side.
Storage
Best eaten fresh. Leftovers keep covered in the fridge for 2 days; reheat in a hot pan or oven rather than the microwave to bring the crispness back.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make Asun (Goat in Pepper Sauce) ahead of time?
Yes. It actually improves after a few hours, so make it earlier in the day and reheat gently before serving.
What can I substitute for goat meat?
Any ingredient with a similar texture and cooking time works; see the variations below for ideas. Keep quantities the same and adjust seasoning at the end.
How long does Asun (Goat in Pepper Sauce) take to make?
About 1 hour 30 minutes in total — roughly under an hour of preparation and 1 hour 30 minutes of cooking.
Is this Asun (Goat in Pepper Sauce) recipe medium to make?
It is rated medium: 7 ingredients and 8 steps. Follow the order and the tips above and it is very forgiving.
Adapted from Wikibooks Cookbook, CC BY-SA 4.0 — source


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